Senator Gallivan Says Legislation Will Expand the Use of Crossbows in NYS

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) announced that the Senate and Assembly have approved legislation that will allow for the expanded use of crossbows for hunting in New York State. The bill (S.6360A) was co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan and amends the state’s outdated environmental conservation law.

If signed by the governor, hunters would be permitted to use crossbows in any area of the state and during any season where longbows are currently permitted.

“This legislation provides long-overdue updates to New York’s current hunting regulations,” Senator Gallivan said. “It also provides new opportunities for licensed and trained hunters, especially those with physical limitations that prevent them from using traditional bows.”

Sportsmen’s organizations have long advocated for the changes and say crossbows are preferred by a growing number of hunters looking for an alternative to traditional hunting implements. The Department of Environmental Conservation has also supported the use of crossbows as a tool for wildlife management and to retain and recruit hunters in New York. 

The bill amends environmental conservation law to eliminate obsolete restrictions on crossbow equipment, such as size and weight, and to better align with current crossbow design.  Hunters say many of the models on the market today do not meet the state’s existing regulations.

The Senate and Assembly passed the measure in the final days of the Legislative session, sending it to the governor for consideration.

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